Students undoubtedly benefit from the volume of quality colleges and universities in the U.S.; however, it is challenging to see past rankings, prestige, well-meaning family members etc. and really dig deep to find the best fit schools for YOU: schools where YOU can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
For my money, the goal of earning a college degree is to create opportunity: learn, explore, create life-long friendships, career satisfaction, fulfilling life, well-being, economic security
In order to turn opportunities into realities, attending a college that is a good fit for you is critical…
Four Factors Worth Measuring to Determine Good Fit
Factor 1: How well do you know yourself?
We all have strengths; we all have weaknesses; that is part of what makes us, well, “us.” Students who are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses are better positioned to identify environments that are most conducive to success. Examples of questions one might ask themselves include:
- How strong are my academic skills?
- Do I learn best by hearing or doing?
- Do I prefer large lecture halls or smaller, collaborative classes?
- How easy do I find it to meet new people and make friends?
- Will I need academic support in college?
- Do I make good choices?
- Am I a good time and task manager?
Factor 2: Why do you want to go to college?
While a degree and opportunity should be the number 1 reason for attending college, people vary in values and motivations. Examples of values and motivations to consider include:
- I want to be pushed academically
- I want to have fun
- I want access to my teachers outside of class time
- I want to be more than a number
- I want to make tons of money
- I want to make a difference in the world
Factor 3: What are your educational goals and attitudes towards learning?
Examples of questions one might ask themselves include:
- Do I enjoy school?
- Do I like to read?
- Do I like to participate in class discussions?
- Do I want to feel like part of a community?
- Am I more excited or nervous about attending college?
Factor 4: What characteristics do you want in a college?
Broadly defined, students should consider ALL of the following ten factors when narrowing down important college characteristics:
One: Size
Do you want to be a small fish in a BIG pond, or a BIG fish in a small pond? Where will you feel most comfortable and why? How important is access to instructors to your academic success? Do you want easy access to internships and co-ops?
Two: Location
Do you want to be able to go home for dinner, a weekend, or just vacations? Do you want to spend the next four years in a city, the country, in the mountains, by the beach? So many possibilities!
Three: Student body
Do you desire to be surrounded by people who are like you, or do you want to part of a diverse student community? Are you looking for a student body that embraces school spirit? Are you interested in a co-ed campus, or do you see yourself better thriving on an all-female/male campus? Do you want to feel free to express yourself?
Four: Student life
Are you a foodie, or does basic cafeteria food work for you? What kind of dorm to you hope to live in? Are you looking for a sober dorm? Do you want to live on campus? Do you hope to participate in activities during the weekends? Do you plan to explore Greek Life?
Five: Campus community
Is sustainability important to you? Do you want to volunteer? What social climate will you feel most comfortable in? Is religious community important to you? Are you seeking out a close-knit community? How important is campus beauty to you? Is social tolerance to you?
Six: Services available
Do you want access to career counseling? Is a guaranteed internship important to you? Will you require access to counseling services? Would you benefit from personalized advising? How important is access to learning support services?
Seven: Academics
Are you leaning toward a career that requires a business degree? Do you want to a pre-professional program? Are you looking for the true liberal arts experience? Are undergraduate research opportunities something you desire? Do you thrive under pressure?
Eight: Activities
Do you want to join, perhaps even start a club? Do you want to play club or intra-mural sports? Is football season something you look forward to? Is studying abroad important to you? Do you want to go on weekend trips/outings with your peers? Is alternative spring break something that interests you?
Nine: Selectivity
How important name/brand important to you and why? Do you understand that where you go is less important than what you do? See last week’s Myths and Realities blog.
Ten: Cost
How much of a factor is cost in your college choice? How is your college education being paid for? Do you need financial aid to make college a reality? Do you understand the difference between merit and need-based funds? Do you know how merit aid is awarded? Have you had a frank conversation with your family about how college will be funded?
Bottom line: identify what you want and seek it out. Only apply to schools where you feel that you can thrive.
For more information on identifying and applying to good fit schools, drop me a line at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.
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